A Common Developmental Concern: Feeding
Feeding
Challenges with feeding are among the most common concerns parents and caregivers have for children including infants up to toddlers three years old. Feeding concerns may arise at birth with challenges latching or drinking from a bottle or transitioning to more solid foods. Difficulties with feeding may be due to underlying medical, sensory, motor, or behavioral factors. Our Early Intervention Services professionals help determine the cause and work with the child and family to best support feeding skills and development.
I can’t get my baby to eat as we try to transition to soft foods.
He is such a picky eater.
She gags whenever we try to feed her.
He refuses to eat.
My toddler chews his food but then spits it out.
As a parent or caregiver, you can contact us directly to request a no cost evaluation. A medical referral is not necessary.
Getting Started is as Easy as 1, 2, 3
Our Approach
At Early Intervention Services, our services start with a free evaluation which is an opportunity for our multi-disciplinary team to meet with you and your child to listen and learn more about your specific concerns. Our team will conduct a broad evaluation of your child in five areas as required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The areas include adaptive skills (e.g., self-care skills such as feeding and sleeping), personal/social, communication including expressive and receptive, motor skills including gross and fine motor skills, and finally, play skills.
If your child is found to be eligible for EI services, our team will work with your family to develop an individualized service plan based on your concerns and priorities.
Our approach centers on a coaching model that is family focused. Our staff offers ideas and suggestions that can be incorporated into a family’s daily routine, accommodating each family’s values and culture.
Experienced and Dedicated Professionals
At Early Intervention Services, we have a staff of professionals representing a breadth of disciplines and specialties to provide families with the proper support and professional expertise to work with their child regarding feeding concerns. Based on your concerns you may be paired with a staff member who has more expertise in the area of nutrition, or a staff member who is trained in the SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) approach to feeding designed to help children who struggle with eating.
Our Early Intervention Services professionals for feeding concerns include:
Certified Lactation Consultants
Speech Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapist Assistants
Registered Nurses
Resources for Parents and Caregivers
Below are links to additional Early Intervention Services articles related to Feeding.
Impact Stories
As a first-time mom navigating life with a baby straight out of the NICU, I had so many questions about Mason’s development and how to best support him. Ten months later, Mason is hitting all of his milestones, and we couldn’t be happier.
Our speech language pathologists and occupational therapists have extensive knowledge with regards to feeding development, so we are in a perfect position to help support families with their feeding concerns.
Getting Started is as Easy as 1-2-3
Learn more about our services.
Contact us.
Nurturing the growth and development of children, infants up to age three.
